Uncle Kevin Visits

Uncle Kevin came by Chico on his motorcycle trip Dow from Minnesota. How great it was to see him after such a long time! We are honored to be on his route!!

Here he is with Amira, Valerie & Madelyn in front of the garden.





He took us to La Hacienda for lunch. Amira was his lunch buddy.






Kevin (& Cee Cee) had shipped the old family spinning wheel down to us in the hopes that Valerie would put it to use spinning all her wool. It's a lucky thing that he showed up the same day the wheel did. The box was so big I couldn't get it through the front door!





Since Kevin had taken it apart, he was able to put it back together. We all learned a bit about spinning wheels during this operation.






Now let's not forget the giant box. That provided much entertainment. Rex & Amira made a "hot tub" out of it.







Our kids had never ridden on a motorcycle before. We borrowed a helmet from a friend and Uncle Kevin gave them the safety speech.








Maiden voyages for all three.

















Well, it was a short visit. Everyone unanimously agrees that the rides were epic, the spinning wheel is exciting and Uncle Kevin is awesome. The kids are now lobbying for a visit to Minnesota, Kevin will be happy to know.

Getting Away From It All

Ah, heading up to the cool green of the mountains to escape the sweltering brown valley is such a pastime in July. Last year at this time we basked on the beach in San Clemente and enjoyed some fog while Chico suffered a heat wave. This year we visited the cabin for a first time in a long time. Look at it all tucked in beneath the cool greenery. We dined out on the deck every evening and looked for wild life.



We did manage to spot a bear just up the road from the cabin. We managed to snap this photo before he could complete his lunge through the back window.


A way up the street from the bear, we spotted a Falcon! (This is Rex with the Falcon for you, Scott!) Michael did them a favor and turned off their headlights for them.


Down at the beach we found even more wild life.


We pitched our tent in the public refugee camp for the day.


At this beach the day is filled with games. In this photo the girls are waiting for their eggs for the egg toss. (They lasted about two tosses).


Rex went up with Michael for the egg toss. This was followed by a refreshing dip in the chilly water for obvious reasons.


Later in the day there was hula hooping ....


Tug-o-war (Valerie & Amira below)





And the pie eating contest!


Look! Valerie finished her plate! (Also note that she was fairly efficient with the consumption of the whipped cream. Perhaps if we served that at every meal, clean up would be a snap?)


After fun in the sun all day we packed back to the cabin for some dinner and warmer clothes. Michael & Rex took the RC cars back out around the hood in the wood. Just after 9pm we stumbled over to the private beach to sneak a peak at the fireworks being put on over at the public beach. Rex found a great spot with a fantastic view.


Rex took that photo and this video.

Good night explosives.

Location:Donner Lake, Tuckee, CA

July Is Here

July 1st came with the promise of Six Flags for Valerie with her friend Madelyn in lieu of the Silver Dollar fair (back in May) where they just showed goats but missed out on the rides. Madelyn's parents made the generous offer.

6 Flags offered "the Superman" ride which was reported to be an adrenal zapper.






Water rides provided refreshment.





Bat girls!!





Success!





July 3rd we went up to the cabin at Donner Lake. Kids got a new toy.





Michael & Amira took a father-daughter spin to Crawdad Land.





Valerie bagged one using string cheese as bait. Mmmm! Cheese fed mini lobsters!





Beach volleyball.











Sand art.





Something for everyone.











View upon waking from beach nap.





After dinner car races ...











And now Valerie is lobbying for a Scotty dog. I can't blame her.

Location:Donner Lake